PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 (MODULE 1)

NAME: _______________________________________GRADE & SECTION:

_______________________
TEACHER: MARIA STELLA P. RECIBIO

LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION TO QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative Research
You have learned from Practical Research 1 that research method is classified into two
main types: quantitative and qualitative. While both methods utilize a specific data gathering
procedure, the former is generally concerned with understanding phenomenon relating to or
involving quality or kind. The latter, on the other hand, is based on the measurement or
quantity. In this module, we will focus on quantitative methods of research and what are its
different kinds.
Quantitative research uses scientifically collected and statistically analyzed data to
investigate observable phenomena. A phenomenon is any existing or observable fact or situation
that we want to unearth further or understand. It is scientific for the fact that it uses a
scientific method in designing and collecting numerical data. Once data is collected, it will
undergo statistical analysis like Pearson’s r, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for
analysis. Since data is analyzed statistically, it is imperative that the data obtained must be
numerical and quantifiable, hence its name quantitative research.
Numerical data are generally easier to collect than descriptions or phrases used in
qualitative research. Information like student’s grades in different subjects, number of hours of
engagement in social media platforms of teens, percentage of consumers who prefer the color
blue for soap packaging, average daily Covid-19 patient recovery per region are just few
examples of research data expressed in numbers. Some data on the other hand, are not directly
countable and thus require conversion from non-numerical information into numerical
information. For instance, determining which brand of canned sardines is the best choice for
consumers in terms of taste cannot be expressed in numbers unless we do a survey using a
rating scale. Several forms of rating scales are available, e.g., the Likert scale that we can use
to quantify data. Usually, they come in a selection of numbers with a corresponding meaning for
each choice, for example: 1= tastes very good, 2 = satisfactory, or 3 = undesirable. Numerical
choices convert texts into numbers so the researcher can perform mathematical operations for
faster, more accurate, and more objective analysis.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is commonly used in natural sciences research problems because
of the following characteristics:

1. LARGE SAMPLE SIZE. To obtain more meaningful statistical result, the data must come
from a large sample size.
2. OBJECTIVE. Data gathering and analysis of results are done accurately, objectively, and
are unaffected by the researcher’s intuition and personal guesses.
3. VISUAL RESULT PRESENTATION. Data is numerical, which makes presentation
through graphs, charts, and tables possible and for better conveyance and interpretation.
4. FASTER DATA ANALYSIS. The use of a statistical tools give way for a less time-
consuming data analysis.
5. GENERALIZED DATA. Data taken from a sample can be applied to the population if
sampling is done accordingly, i.e., sufficient size and random samples were taken.
6. FAST DATA COLLECTION. Depending on the type of data needed, collection can be
quick and easy. Quantitative research uses standardized research instruments that allow
 the researcher to collect data from a large sample size efficiently. For instance, a single
survey form can be administered simultaneously to collect various measurable
characteristics like age, gender, socio-economic status, etc.
7. RELIABLE DATA. Data is taken and analyzed objectively from a sample as a
representative of the population, making it more credible and reliable for policymaking
and decision making.
8. REPLICATION. The Quantitative method can be repeated to verify findings enhancing
its validity, free from false or immature conclusions.

Strengths of Quantitative Research

The following are the strengths of quantitative research.
1. Quantitative research can be replicated or repeated.
2. Findings are generalizable to the population.
3. Conclusive establishment of cause and effect
4. Numerical and quantifiable data can be used to predict outcomes
5. Fast and easy data analysis using statistical software.
6. Fast and easy data gathering
7. Very objective
8. Validity and reliability can be established

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

The following are the disadvantages of quantitative research:
1. It lacks the necessary data to explore a problem or concept in depth.
2. It does not provide comprehensive explanation of human experiences.
3. Some information cannot be described by numerical data such as feelings, and beliefs.
4. The research design is rigid and not very flexible.
5. The participants are limited to choose only from the given responses.
6. The respondents may tend to provide inaccurate responses.
7. A Large sample size makes data collection more costly.

Kinds of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is a broad spectrum that it can be classified into smaller and more
specific kinds: descriptive, correlational, ex post facto, quasi-experimental, and experimental.
 Descriptive design is used to describe a particular phenomenon by observing it as it occurs
in nature. There is no experimental manipulation and the researcher does not start with a
hypothesis. The goal of descriptive research is only to describe the person or object of the
study. An example of descriptive research design is “the determination of the different kinds
of physical activities and how often high school students do it during the quarantine period.”
 The correlational design identifies the relationship between variables. Data is collected by
observation since it does not consider the cause and effect for example, the relationship
between the amount of physical activity done and student academic achievement.
 Ex post facto design is used to investigate a possible relationship between previous events
and present conditions. The term “Ex post facto”, means after the fact, looks at the possible
causes of an already occurring phenomenon. Just like the first two, there is no experimental
manipulation in this design. An example of this is “how does the parent’s academic
achievement affect the children obesity?”
 A quasi-experimental design is used to establish the cause and effect relationship of
variables. Although it resembles the experimental design, the quasi-experimental has lesser
validity due to the absence of random selection and assignment of subjects. Here, the
independent variable is identified but not manipulated. The researcher does not modify
preexisting groups of subjects. The group exposed to treatment (experimental) is compared
to the group unexposed to treatment (control): example, the effects of unemployment on
attitude towards following safety protocol in ECQ declared areas.
 Experimental design like quasi- experimental is used to establish the cause and effect
relationship of two or more variables. This design provides a more conclusive result because
it uses random assignment of subjects and experimental manipulations. For example, a
comparison of the effects of various blended learning to the reading comprehension of
elementary pupils.

Activity 1: Finding clues

Directions: Group the following word clues if they are characteristics of Quantitative
Research (Box A) or Qualitative Research (Box B).

1. Measurable 6. Text-based 11. Subjective

2. Behavior 7. Intervention 12. Small sample
3. Statistical 8. Experimental group 13. Tables and charts
4. Narrative 9. Unstructured observation 14. Deductive
5. Objective 10. Inductive 15. Generalizable

A. Quantitative Research B. Qualitative Research

Activity 2: Let’s match

Directions: Match the following quantitative research title under column A to its
classification (research design) in column B. Write the letter of the correct answer on the
space provided.

Column A Column B
______1. Investigating the effects of formalin treated eggplants on mice. A. Experimental
______2. Factors affecting job satisfaction among Tech-Voc graduates. B.
Descriptive
______3. Prevalence of domestic violence in cities declared under C. Ex post facto
Enhanced Community Quarantine during the Covid-19 pandemic. D.
Quasiexperimental
______4. The effects of age on social media platform choice. E. Correlational
______5. The relationship between intelligence and sports choices F. Case Study
among high school students.

Activity 3: Yes or No

Direction: Write YES on the blank if the question requires for quantitative approach and NO
if it does not.

__________1. Are high grades in Mathematics a good indicator for employment after
graduation?
__________2. Will taking brain enhancers increase examination scores?
__________3. Are there changes in consumer behavior before and after online selling was
popularized?
__________4. Do online learning materials enhance the computer skills of students?
 __________5. Are there changes in the study habits of public school students before and after
the Covid-19
pandemic?
__________6. What kind of pick-up lines are most appealing to both genders at the early adult
stage?
__________7. Is there a difference in the academic performance of students using online,
blended and modular
learning modalities?
__________8. Will student’s and parent’s attitudes towards distance learning change over
time?
__________9. Which of the four SHS tracks (Academic, Tech-Voc, Sports, Arts & Design) is
greatly affected by
the Covid-19 pandemic?
__________10. What are the factors affecting the delayed completion and submission of
assignments/tasks
given to students using modular learning modality?
LESSON 2: IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH ACROSS FIELDS
The value of quantitative research to man’s quest to discover the unknown and improve
underlying conditions is undeniable. Throughout history, quantitative research has paved the
way to finding meaningful solutions to difficulties. For instance, the development of vaccines to
strengthen our immunity against viruses causing highly communicable diseases like polio,
influenza, chickenpox, and measles to name a few, underwent thorough experimental trials. You
bet, scientists and medical experts all over the world today are working their best to fast track
the development, testing and release of the vaccine for the Corona Virus Disease of 2019
(Covid-19) as the pandemic has critically affected the world economy, education, as well as
physical and emotional well-being of people.
The findings of the quantitative study can influence leaders and law-makers’ decisions for
crafting and implementing laws for the safety and welfare of the more significant majority. For
example, a community with high cases of Covid-19 positive patients is mandated by law to be
under Enhanced Community Quarantine where only the most essential businesses can operate.
On the other hand, cities with less or zero case will be under General Community Quarantine
where some businesses, public and private offices are already allowed to operate.
Using quantitative design helps us determine and better understand relationships
between variables or phenomenon crucial to reducing the range of uncertainty because the
mathematics (more of this in the last module) behind quantitative studies helps us make close
estimates of the outcome (dependent variable) from a given condition/s (independent variable).
Relationship between demand and supply, age and health, discipline and academic
achievement, practice and winning at sports, depression and suicidal rates, algae population
and Oxygen demand are just a few examples of real-life applications of correlation studies in the
past that we still apply today.
Most inventions and innovations are products of quantitative studies. Before you can
enjoy the uses and features of a smart phone, it took years of research to establish compliance
to standards for interoperability, to find the most cost-effective raw materials, identify the
sleekest and sturdiest design, the fastest data saving and processing power, and most
marketable add-ons according to consumer needs. Indeed, mankind will dwell in the darkness of
ignorance if not for the people who conducted their research before reading about it from books
or manuals.

The table below shows some of the contributions of quantitative research to other fields and
their example.

Field Contribution/Application Example

Social Science • Effects of intervention to group The effects of pandemic on
 • behavior. social behavior and economic
Understanding cultural or racial stability.
• conflicts.
Human satisfaction and
stressors
Natural and • Investigate the effectiveness of a Antidiabetic properties of
Physical Sciences product or treatment to illnesses. common Philippine herbs.
Finding or enhancing alternative
• energy sources.
Advancement in material
• science.
Agriculture and • Increase the yield of crops Prevention The effectiveness of organic
Fisheries • and cure for crops and livestock and inorganic fertilizer to
diseases vegetable production.

Sports • Enhance athletic performance Diet and exercise techniques

for different kinds of sports.
Business • Device marketing strategies Improve Effectiveness of Facebook ads
• marketability on sales.
Arts and Design • Relationship between color and The effects of music on
architectural space learning and behavior.
• Multimedia use and adaptation for
recreation, business marketing and
lifestyle changes.
Environmental • Causes and effects of climate change The environmental factors
Science affecting natural calamities

Activity 4: Where do I belong?

Direction. Listed in Column A are the important inventions, innovations or discoveries in

history. Identify which field in Column B do these discoveries have great importance.
Column A Column B
_______1. Vaccine A. Agriculture and Fisheries
_______2. Refrigeration B. Natural and Physical Science
_______3. Printing press C. Business and Accounting
_______4. Computer D. Information and Communications
Technology
_______5. Airplane E. Arts
_______6. Photo finishes F. Education
_______7. Social media G. Sports
_______8. Paint H. Humanities and Social Science
I. Mathematics

Activity 5: Expanding your vocabulary!

Directions: Read through the text of this lesson and look for an underlined word that has the
same meaning as the word in the list below. Write the word on the space provided.
1. Intercession - _________________
2. To find out – __________________
3. Salable - _____________________
4. Quicken, expedite - _____________
5. Relationship - _________________
6. Create, produce - _______________
7. Compatibility - __________________
8. Toughest - _________________
9. Changeable - ______________
10. Global, widespread - ________________

LESSON 3: VARIABLES IN QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

A Variable is anything that has a quantity or quality that varies. For instance, during the
quarantine period, your mother planted tomato seedlings in pots. Now common understanding
from science tells you that several factors are affecting the growth of tomatoes: sunlight, water,
kind of soil, and nutrients in soil. How fast the tomato seedlings will grow and bear fruits will
depend on these factors. The growth of tomatoes and the number of fruits produced are
examples of the Dependent Variables. The amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients in the soil
are the Independent Variables. If there is an existing relationship between the independent
and dependent variables, then the value of the dependent variable varies in response to the
manipulation done on the independent variable. The independent variable is also identified as
the presumed cause while the dependent variable is the presumed effect. In an experimental
quantitative design, the independent variable is pre-defined and manipulated by the researcher
while the dependent variable is observed and measured. For descriptive, correlational and ex
post facto quantitative research designs, independent and dependent variables simply do not
apply.
It is important to note other factors that may influence the outcome (dependent variable)
which are not manipulated or pre-defined by the researcher. These factors are called
Extraneous Variables. In our example above, the presence of pests and environmental
stressors (e.g. pets, extreme weather) are the extraneous variables. Since extraneous variables
may affect the result of the experiment, it is crucial for the researcher to identify them prior to
conducting the experiment and control them in such a way that they do not threaten the
II. Qualitative Variables are also referred to as Categorical Variables are not expressed in
numbers but are descriptions or categories. It can be further divided into nominal, ordinal or
dichotomous.
internal validity (i.e. accurate conclusion) of the result. Controlling the extraneous
variable can be done by holding it constant or distribute its effect across the treatment. When
the researcher fails to control the extraneous variable that it caused considerable effect to the
outcome, the extraneous variable becomes a Confounding Variable. For example, if the
tomato had been infested by pests (confounding variable) then you cannot conclude that
manipulations in sunlight, water and soil nutrients (independent variable) are the only
contributing factors for the stunted growth and poor yield (dependent variable) of the plant or
is it the result of both the independent variables and the confounding variable.

The variables can also be classified according to their nature.

Quantitative Variables, also called numerical variables are the type of variables used in
quantitative research because they are numeric and can be measured. Under this category are
discrete and continuous variables.
A. Discrete variables are countable whole numbers. It does not take negative values or
values between fixed points. For example: number of students in a class, group size and
frequency.
B. Continuous variables take fractional (non-whole number) values that can either be a
positive or a negative. Example: height, temperature.

Numerical data have two levels of measurement, namely:

A. Interval are quantitative variables where the interval or differences between consecutive
values are equal and meaningful but the numbers are arbitrary. For example, the
difference between 36 degrees and 37 degrees is the same as between 100 degrees and
101 degrees. The zero point does not suggest the absence of a property being measured.
 Temperature at 0 degree Celsius is assigned as the melting point of ice. Other examples
of interval data would be year and IQ score.
B. Ratio type of data is similar to interval, the only difference is the presence of a true zero
value. The zero point in this scale indicates the absence of the quantity being measured.
Examples are age, height, weight and distance.
C. Dichotomous are consisting of only two distinct categories or values. For example, a
response to a question either be a yes or no.
D. Nominal variable simply defines groups of subjects. Here you may have more than 2
categories of equivalent magnitude. For example, a basketball player’s number is used to
distinguish him from other players. It certainly does not follow that player 10 is better
than player 8. Other examples are blood type, hair color and mode of transportation.
E. Ordinal variable, from the name itself denotes that a variable is ranked in a certain
order. This variable can have a qualitative or quantitative attribute. For example, a
survey questionnaire may have a numerical rating as choices like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5ranked
accordingly (5=highest, 1=lowest) or categorical rating like strongly agree, agree,
neutral, disagree and strongly disagree. Other examples or ordinal variable: cancer stage
(Stage I, Stage II, Stage III), Spotify Top 20 hits, academic honors (with highest, with
high, with honors).

Activity 6: Identifying variables

Directions: Identify the Independent, Dependent and Extraneous variable/s in each of the
following situations.

1. Three groups of students were placed in a classroom with controlled room temperatures
of 18°C, 20°C, 25°C. The math exam scores of the students were then taken and
compared to the other groups.
Independent variable: ____________________________________________________
Dependent variable: ______________________________________________________
Extraneous variable: _____________________________________________________

2. An online seller would like to know whether the indication of price on Facebook posts will
attract consumers more. He posted 50 products for sale on Facebook market, 25 of which
he indicated the price while the remaining 25 products, did not have prices. Buyers were
just instructed to send him a personal message (pm) if they want to know the price. He
then identified which products have greater sales.
Independent variable: ____________________________________________________
Dependent variable: ______________________________________________________
Extraneous variable: _____________________________________________________
3. A housewife wanted to know which soil is best for her pechay plants: the soil purchased
from an online seller, soil from her backyard compost or the soil underneath the nearby
bamboo tree. She planted 30 pechay seeds into each soil source and then compared the
growth of pechay after a month.
Independent variable: ____________________________________________________
Dependent variable: ______________________________________________________
Extraneous variable: _____________________________________________________

Activity 7: Classifying variables

Directions: Identify the following variable as either qualitative or quantitative. Then classify
which specific category they belong.

Data Type of variable Classification

(Qualitative/ (Discrete, continuous,
Quantitative) interval, ratio, nominal,
dichotomous, ordinal)
Ex. Number of eggs laid by chickens Quantitative Discrete, interval
1. Amount of fertilizer given to plants
2. Weight of Pechay harvested (in
grams)
3. Speed of car
4. Tomato plant variety
5. Color of alcohol packaging (blue,
orange, white, pink)